Multi-co-ordinate contact measuring device.

The invention relates to a multi-coordinate sensing measuring device.

Conventional multi-coordinate Tastmeßgeräte as from example DE 37 01 730 A1 describes are known to have a case to which a direction a main coordinate axis relative to the housing displaceable Probe arm by a universal joint to a on the main coordinate axis lying pivot point is guided Omnidirectional swivel. Of the Probe arm is spring biased to a rest position, in which its Probe tip on the main coordinate axis. The probe arm is a coupled measuring device, by means of the deviations of the probe tip of the Rest position both in the direction of the main coordinate axis as well perpendicularly thereto and detects, for example, by means of a dial gauge as Ab can be displayed weichungsmeßwert.

The multi-coordinate sensing measuring device is provided with a clamping shaft, with it, for example in the tool holder of a tool machine can be clamped. For exact measurements factory it is Lich that the axis of the formed for example as a taper shank defined clamping shaft coaxially to the through the dial gauge Main coordinate axis.

From DE 34 22 103 A1 is a responsive to the touch of his scanning arm the Tastsensorgerät known whose the probe arm and more by the Probe arm bearing in contact actuated switch housing radially to The axial direction of a steep taper shank adjustable to the taper shank is held. The housing is located on one axis-normal end face of the Steep taper shank on. The taper shank carries three circumferentially the opening spaced screws, by means of which the housing relative to the Taper shank radially centered and can be fastened to this. This one Screws next to the centering function also a fastening function have, they must be tightened after initial adjustment of the housing are to provide a secure attachment of the housing to the taper shank to reach. This involves the risk that the adjustment lost again goes. In contrast, if the screws are tightened with insufficient torque, so there is a danger that the housing in the operation of taper shank triggers, which may be damaged if it falls. to this to avoid, are in the known apparatus, in addition to the adjustment and Fixing screws on the taper shank spring-loaded fuse elements arranged, which also engage behind the conical peg and to prevent accidental loosening of the housing.

From GB 2094979 A a multi-coordinate touch probe is known to its taper shank by means of a first axis of rotation of the steep taper shank offset axial screw a rear housing part and on the the rear housing part by means of another, diametrically opposite Screw attached a front housing part. The thus formed encloses a ball joint housing, on which a from the Housing protruding probe arm both in the direction of the axis the steep taper shank defined main axis and transversely to be deflected is. The incipient deflection can be by means of an electric Contact arrangement detect. For centering the sensing arm is on a Approach of steep taper shank a screw provided at a Deviation of the axis of the scanning arm of the axis of the steep taper shank is tightened to compensate for the axis error, while the eccentricity the front housing part is properly adjusted.

By contrast, the object of the invention to provide a Mehrkoordinaten- to provide dial gauge, which with simple construction means are aligned relative to the main axis of its coordinates clamping shank can, in a way that the adjustment can be performed easily and in operating mechanical loads.

The inventive multi-coordinate sensing measuring device comprises:

<ul><li>- A housing,</li><li>- A in the direction of a main coordinate axis relative to the Housing displaced and order by means of a universal joint a on the main coordinate axis lying pivot point on all sides pivotally guided on the housing, spring into a rest position biased sensing arm whose probe tip at rest on coordinates of the main axis, </li><li>- Means coupled with the sensing arm, the deviation of the probe tip of the rest position both in the direction of the main coordinate axis also perpendicular to sensing measuring device and</li><li>- A housing carrying the clamping shaft,</li><li>- Wherein the housing or the clamping shaft a main coordinate axis this part centric centering bears who with radial play engages a centering of the other part and on the periphery of centering at least three radially to the main coordinate axis adjustable adjusting screws are distributed</li><li>- And wherein the housing and the clamping shaft to the main coordinate axis have vertical, mutually assigned bearing surfaces and by at least one in direction of the principal coordinate axis extending clamping screw are secured together.</li></ul>

While the contact surfaces on the housing and the clamping shaft for ensure parallelism of the axes, allowing the adjustment screws to Compensation of misalignments. The expediently centric Clamping screw allows (slightly tightened) the pre-fixation of the housing during the adjustment process. The adjustment screws on the other hand hold the Housing fixed in the desired position until the tensioning screw performed adjustment is tightened.

The centering or centering can directly on the Clamping shaft or the housing can be provided. In a preferred Configuration, the centering pin on the housing and the centering in one in the particular constructed as taper shank snugly Clamping shaft seated provided adapter. This allows the replacement of the Steep taper shank, without changing the adjustment.

The aforementioned adjusting and fastening device are especially for multi-coordinate Tastmeßgeräte, in which in the A housing displaceable in the direction of the principal coordinate axis run is coupling piece, said with respect to the pivot point of the Universal joint opposite the feeler arm of this a coupling arm projects whose pivot point distal end with the coupling piece is pivotally coupled in such a way that the coupling arm, the coupling piece both during displacement of the scanning arm in the direction of the main coordinate axis as well as the deflection of the probe arm from its rest position to entrains the pivot point in the direction of the principal coordinate axis. The Measuring device detects here the position of the coupling piece relative to the housing. As 37 01 730 A1 describes known from DE, the coupling piece can here have an approximately conical recess in which the Coupling arm engages, wherein the shape of the recess in the coupling piece is selected so that the calibration schedule a dial gauge of Tastmeßge chine both the deflection of the probe tip of the probe arm in the direction of Main coordinate axis as well represented across it.

A preferred embodiment of such a Tastmeßgeräts which has the advantage that it consists of easily manufactured parts and a has stable rest position of its scanning arm, is characterized in that the the previous first-mentioned pivot point of the distal end Coupling arm by means of a second universal joint on all sides by a second pivot point is pivotally connected to a link member, which in turn means a third universal joint on all sides by a on the main coordinate axis movable third pivot point is pivotally guided on the housing and in that the link element a the main coordinate axis enclosing the first pivot point away having facing annular shoulder, the oppositely directed to one that Main coordinate axis also enclosing the annular shoulder Coupling piece rests.

In such a construction to support the annular shoulders in the rest position in a relatively large radial distance from the Main coordinate axis from each other. On the Lenkerele ment thus acts a relatively large restoring moment, the the coupling arm and thus the follower arm stable in Ruhela GE holds, in which the probe tip on the main coordinate axis lies. If the probe tip in the direction of the main coordinate axis deflected, moves the Lenkerele ment exclusively translationally along the major axis coordinates. The monitored by the measuring device Auslen kung of the coupling piece is thus equal to the deflection the probe tip. If the probe tip, starting from the Rest position of the stylus arm perpendicular to the main axis coordinate deflected, so the arm member tilts to the third, ver the reserve distance along the main coordinate axis sliding pivot point of the third universal joint. At the same time the annular shoulder of the arm member is against the annular shoulder of the coupling piece is tilted, causing a detected by the sensing means of deflection The coupling piece leads along the major axis coordinates. By appropriate selection of the dimensions of the arm member is achieved, that the deflection of the coupling piece in Direction of the main coordinate axis with high accuracy equal to the deflection of the probe tip transversely to Hauptkoor dinatenachse is. The dial gauge is in this way easy producible parts out. In particular, no gekrümm to mold th inner surfaces whose manufacturing tolerances affect the accuracy of the device. As far as spatial Lich curved surfaces are required, it is to convex surfaces, such as spherical surfaces preferably constructed as ball joints Univer Seaweed joints or to the rounding of a plant cutting, as expediently along the peripheral edge of the is provided annular shoulder of the arm member.

With careless handling of Tastmeßgeräts is the Risk of irreversible damage to the mechanics of the device. To any damages to minimize, is provided in a preferred embodiment, that the feeler arm a predetermined breaking point, in particular in the form of one between the first universal joint and the tactile lace inserted ceramic part contains. In unsachge Although mäßer handling interrupts the scanning tip of the scanning arm from larger more extensive damage but avoided the. The repair is limited to the exchange few parts.

In the following, an embodiment of the invention illustrated by a drawing. The drawing shows an axial longitudinal section through a Mehrkoordinaten- Sensing probe.

The support for a machine tool or a Meter or the like with a taper shank <b>1</b> provided multi-coordinate sensing measuring device comprises a housing <b>3</b>From which coaxially to the through the taper shank <b>1</b> defined main coordinate axis <b>5</b> a follower arm <b>7</b> protrudes. The spherical in a probe tip<b>9</b> ending Probe arm <b>7</b> is along the principal coordinate axis <b>5</b> outgoing from the rest position shown in the drawing displaced and transversely to the main coordinate axis <b>5</b> out steerable. A to the housing<b>3</b> held dial gauge <b>11</b> shows uniform scaling the size of the axial or radial deflection on.

The probe arm <b>7</b> is in the housing <b>3</b> by means of a first ball joint <b>13</b> pivotally supported on all sides. The ball joint <b>13</b> has a fixed manner to the stylus arm <b>7</b> connected spherical segment <b>15</b>Which in the probe tip <b>9</b> himself narrowing, blade-shaped ball socket <b>17</b> a fulcrum <b>19</b> is pivotally supported on all sides. The ball socket <b>17</b> continues in the direction of the main coordinate axis <b>5</b> of the probe tip <b>9</b> directed away in the form a cylindrical guide opening <b>21</b> continued and made light as an axial sliding movement of the sensor arm <b>7</b> in Direction of the main coordinate axis <b>5</b>,

The probe arm <b>7</b> in the housing <b>3</b> in extended and here forms a coupling arm <b>23</b>Which at its the ball joint <b>13</b> far end of a second ball joint <b>25</b> around a pivot point <b>27</b> Omnidirectional swivel with a link element <b>29</b> coupled. The link element<b>29</b> is in turn, in a third ball joint <b>31</b> one on the main coordinate axis <b>5</b> lying pivot point <b>33</b> sides pivotally mounted to the housing <b>3</b> out. The ball joint <b>31</b> has a member on the handlebar <b>29</b> molded joint ball <b>35</b>Which in a cylindrical main coordinate axis <b>5</b> concentric glenoid opening <b>37</b> sitting. An opening in the<b>37</b> compression spring arranged <b>39</b> biases the arm member <b>29</b> against the coupling arm <b>23</b> and like so any play of the ball joints <b>25</b> and <b>13</b> out.

In the housing <b>3</b> is also a substantially pods shaped coupling piece <b>41</b> coaxially to Hauptkoordi dinate axis <b>5</b> out an exact fit slidably. The Kopp ment piece <b>41</b> is via a pin <b>43</b> with the dial gauge <b>11</b> coupled, so that the deflection of the coupling piece <b>41</b> relative to the housing <b>3</b> detected. The coupling piece<b>41</b> has a radially inward projecting annular shoulder <b>45</b> with the probe tip <b>9</b> oriented perpendicular to the Main coordinate axis <b>5</b> extending, planar contact surface <b>47</b>, Several circumferentially distributed springs<b>49</b> in between the housing <b>3</b> and the coupling piece <b>41</b> tension the contact surface <b>47</b> the annular shoulder <b>45</b> against one of the prod <b>9</b> pioneering annular shoulder <b>51</b> of this Area plate-shaped arm member <b>29</b>, The feathers<b>49</b> practice over the coupling piece <b>41</b> a comparatively high Restoring force on the arm member <b>29</b> from which it ensures that in the rest position the pivot points of the ball joints <b>25</b> and <b>31</b> stable on the main coordinate axis <b>5</b> lie.

If the probe tip <b>9</b> from dargestell in the drawing th rest position in the direction of the main coordinate axis <b>5</b> deflected, so transfers the arm member <b>29</b> on the entire circumference of its annular shoulder <b>51</b> the displacement force on the coupling piece <b>41</b>And the dial gauge <b>11</b> detected directly, the deflection of the probe tip <b>9</b>,

If the probe tip <b>9</b> transversely to the main coordinate axis deflected, then transfers the pivoting movement of the scanning arm <b>7</b> via the coupling arm <b>23</b> on the arm member <b>29</b>, The link element<b>29</b> pivots about the pivot point <b>33</b>. the same time a length compensating movement on the bezo gene on the housing <b>3</b> stationary pivot point <b>19</b> of ball joint <b>13</b> to make. The annular shoulder<b>51</b> the handlebar elements <b>29</b> tilts due to the pivoting movement about a virtual pivot axis which is tangential to a tilt functions extends, the plane perpendicular to the connecting line the pivot points <b>27</b> and <b>33</b> the ball joints <b>25</b> and <b>31</b> runs and its cut marks in the drawing at <b>53</b> are shown. The peripheral edge of the annular shoulder<b>51</b> is to the Tilt Circuit <b>53</b> around torussegmentförmig rounded to Wear damage during the tilting movement of the gegenseiti avoid gen plant surfaces. Tilt the arm member <b>29</b> due to the radial deflection of the prod <b>9</b> results in an equal axial Auslen kung of the coupling piece <b>41</b>, Which in turn of the dial gauge <b>11</b> is detected. The dial gauge<b>11</b> can therefore at einheitli cher calibration, the deflection of the probe tip <b>9</b> both in axial measure also in the radial direction.

To display the errors of the dial gauge <b>11</b> with radial Auslen kung of the probe tip <b>9</b> based on an equal to keep axial deflection as small as possible, is the Distance a of the pivot point <b>19</b> of the probe tip <b>9</b> equal to the distance b of the pivot point <b>27</b> by swing Point <b>19</b> selected. Furthermore, the distance c is the pivot punkts <b>33</b> from the pivot point <b>27</b> equal to the radius of the e selected Kippkreises, and the distance d of the pivot point <b>33</b> from the plane of Kippkreises is sized larger than the distance c. By optimizing the distances c and d based on the distance b can be the difference display between radial and axial deflection of the probe tip <b>9</b> to within the accuracy of the dial gauge <b>11</b> vernach lässigbare values ​​decrease.

The distances a, b and c are kugelför through the centers Miger ends determined. In order nevertheless tolerances between the Distances a and b as well as tolerances of the distance c without ausglei consuming machining of the spherical ends chen to, is the coupling arm <b>23</b> a telescopic arm executed, and the ball joint <b>25</b> has a cylindrical hole shaped acetabulum <b>55</b> on the arm member <b>29</b>, in the for adjustment of the distance of the joint ball <b>57</b> the ball joint <b>25</b> a spacer <b>59</b> be suitable thickness puts is. The spacer<b>59</b> allows adjustment the distance c.

For the adjustment of the distance b is the joint ball <b>57</b> the ball joint <b>25</b> on a pin <b>61</b> held in the a central bore <b>63</b> of the joint ball <b>15</b> supporting and in the follower arm <b>7</b> integrally into continuing shank <b>65</b> is held. The pencil<b>61</b> is during the assembly in the bore <b>63</b> displaced so that, for example, by means of a setting gauge, the Distance of the joint ball <b>57</b> the sensing end <b>9</b> be adjusted can before the pin <b>61</b> the shaft <b>65</b> fixed, Example example is adhered.

To prevent damage to the mechanism of the meter at unsachge avoid mäßer operate, the sensing end <b>9</b> by means of a ceramic tube <b>67</b> to the shaft <b>65</b> kept. The ceramic tubes <b>67</b> forms a predetermined breaking point which is the other transmission parts of the meter against overload Damage protects.

The axis of the steep taper shank <b>1</b> must coaxially to the determined by the other components of the measuring device Main coordinate axis <b>5</b> extend. To misalignment To compensate, the housing <b>3</b> where Steilke gelschaft <b>1</b> by means of an adapter <b>69</b> secured a axially parallel adjustment of the main coordinate axis <b>5</b> of housing <b>3</b> relative to the axis of the steep taper shank <b>1</b> allowed. The adapter<b>69</b> has a snugly in a central bore <b>71</b> the steep taper shank <b>1</b> seated shaft <b>73</b> and by means of a clamping screw <b>75</b> to the Stem interchangeably held. Between the steep taper shaft <b>1</b> and the housing <b>3</b> carries the shaft <b>73</b> a annular flange <b>77</b> with the axis of the steep taper shank <b>1</b> exactly perpendicular, planar contact surface <b>79</b> for the housing <b>3</b>, In the contact surface<b>79</b> is centrally a centering <b>81</b> sunk in the radial Game from the housing <b>3</b> projecting centering <b>83</b> engages. At least three on the periphery of the annular flange<b>77</b> arranged distributed, radial adjustment screws <b>85</b> Erlau ben a radial adjustment of on the bearing surface <b>79</b> slidably guided housing <b>3</b>, A centric BEFE fixing screw <b>87</b> holds the housing <b>3</b> the adapter <b>69</b>, For the radial adjustment of the housing <b>3</b> relative to the ball cone shaft <b>1</b> the screw <b>87</b> initially slightly subjected to the housing <b>3</b> something against the contact surface <b>79</b> to tension. After adjustment, keep the Justierschrau ben <b>85</b> the housing is firmly in the desired position until the screw <b>87</b> the housing distal end of the steep taper shank <b>1</b> is tightened.